News
Basil unveils relief package
* Rs. 5,000 allowance for state employees
* Flour subsidy for estate workers
* Additional Rs. 25 for kilo of paddy
By Shyam Nuwan Ganewatte
Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday unveiled a 229-billion-rupee relief package.
Addressing the media at the Finance Ministry auditorium in Colombo, the Minister said a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 would be paid to all public sector workers and pensioners. An allowance of Rs. 1,000 would be paid to Samurdhi beneficiaries, he added.
The Finance Minister requested all employers to provide relief to private sector workers.
Minister Rajapaksa said an incentive of Rs 5,000 each would be paid to those who cultivated homesteads encompassing less than 20 perches, and Rs10,000 to those who cultivate more than 20 perches.
The Finance Minister said that government would increase the purchasing price of paddy by Rs 25 to Rs. 75 a kilo.
Each estate sector family would be provided with 15 kilos of flour at a subsidised rate of Rs 80, the Finance Minister said. The current market price of flour is at Rs 120 a kilo.
News
PM returns to the island
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
News
Navy divers restore sluice gate of Bomburuella Reservoir
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
News
PM holds High-Level meetings with EU, UNDP, and corporate leadership at World Economic Forum
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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